check oil GMC SIERRA DENALI 2017 User Guide

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
360 Vehicle Care 1. Positive (+) Terminal. See
Jump Starting - North America
0 435 .
2. Battery - North America 0 383 .
3. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0 372 .
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0 371 .
5. Automatic Transmission
Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“ How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid ” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6 Speed Transmission) 0 368
or Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8 Speed Transmission)
0 371 .
6. Remote Negative ( – ) Location.
See Jump Starting - North
America 0 435 .
7. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of
View). See Cooling System
0 372 .
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “ When
to Add Engine Oil ” under
Engine Oil 0 364 . 9. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“ Checking Engine Oil ” under
Engine Oil 0 364 .
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brake Fluid 0 381 .
11. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “ Adding Washer
Fluid ” under Washer Fluid
0 380 .
12. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0 393 .

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
362 Vehicle Care 1. Positive (+) Terminal. See
Jump Starting - North America
0 435 .
2. Battery - North America 0 383 .
3. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0 372 .
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0 371 .
5. Automatic Transmission
Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“ How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid ” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6 Speed Transmission) 0 368
or Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8 Speed Transmission)
0 371 .
6. Remote Negative ( – ) Location
(Out of View). See Jump
Starting - North America 0 435 .
7. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of
View). See Cooling System
0 372 .
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “ When
to Add Engine Oil ” under
Engine Oil 0 364 . 9. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“ Checking Engine Oil ” under
Engine Oil 0 364 .
10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “ Adding Washer
Fluid ” under Washer Fluid
0 380 .
11. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brake Fluid 0 381 .
12. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0 393 .

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
364 Vehicle Care 1. Positive (+) Terminal. See
Jump Starting - North America
0 435 .
2. Battery - North America 0 383 .
3. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0 372 .
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0 371 .
5. Automatic Transmission
Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“ How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid ” under
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(6 Speed Transmission) 0 368
or Automatic Transmission
Fluid (8 Speed Transmission)
0 371 .
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“ Checking Engine Oil ” under
Engine Oil 0 364 .
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “ When
to Add Engine Oil ” under
Engine Oil 0 364 .
8. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of
View). See Cooling System
0 372 . 9. Remote Negative ( – ) Location.
See Jump Starting - North
America 0 435 .
10. Power Steering Fluid
Reservoir.
See Power Steering Fluid
(1500 Series) 0 379 or Power
Steering Fluid (2500/3500
Series) 0 379 .
11. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “ Adding Washer
Fluid ” under Washer Fluid
0 380 .
12. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brake Fluid 0 381 .
13. Auxiliary Battery (If Equipped).
See Battery - North America
0 383 .
14. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0 393 .
If the vehicle has a diesel engine
and/or an Allison Transmission, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.
For an eAssist vehicle, see the
Silverado/Sierra supplement. Engine Oil For diesel engine vehicles, see
“ Engine Oil ” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“ Selecting the Right Engine Oil ”
in this section.
.
Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “ Checking
Engine Oil ” and “ When to Add
Engine Oil ” in this section.
.
Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0 367 .
.
Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “ What to Do with
Used Oil ” in this section.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Vehicle Care 365Checking Engine Oil Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 359 for the location.
{ WarningThe engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the
oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.
To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the
engine oil level on steep grades
or too soon after engine shutoff
can result in incorrect readings.
Accuracy improves when checking a cold engine prior to
starting. Remove the dipstick
and check the level.
.
If unable to wait two hours, the
engine must be off for at least
15 minutes if the engine is
warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out
the dipstick, wipe it with a clean
paper towel or cloth, then push it
back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and
check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick and
the engine has been off for at least
15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the
recommended oil and then recheck
the level. See “ Selecting the Right
Engine Oil ” later in this section for
an explanation of what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase
capacity, see Capacities and
Specifications 0 470 .
CautionDo not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine
has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the cross-hatched
area that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
be damaged. You should drain
out the excess oil or limit driving
of the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 359 for the location of the engine
oil fill cap.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Vehicle Care 367trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System When to Change Engine Oil This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
On some vehicles, when the system
has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, a CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on to
indicate that an oil change is
necessary. See Engine Oil
Messages 0 159 . Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next
1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that,
if driving under the best conditions, the oil life system might indicate that
an oil change is not necessary for
up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once
a year and, at this time, the system
must be reset. For vehicles without
the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message, an oil change is needed
when the OIL LIFE REMAINING
percentage is near 0%. Your dealer
has trained service people who will
perform this work and reset the
system. It is also important to check
the oil regularly over the course of
an oil drain interval and keep it at
the proper level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. Always reset the engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To
reset the engine oil life system:
1. Display the OIL LIFE
REMAINING on the DIC. If the
vehicle does not have DIC
buttons, the vehicle must be in
P (Park) to access this display.
See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level Cluster)
0 152 or Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Uplevel and
Denali Cluster) 0 154 .
2. Press and hold
V , or the trip
odometer reset stem if the
vehicle does not have DIC
buttons, for several seconds.
The oil life will change
to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset
as follows:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN
with the engine off.
2. Fully press the accelerator
pedal slowly three times within
five seconds.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
368 Vehicle Care 3. Display the OIL LIFE
REMAINING on the DIC. If the
display shows 100%, the
system is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message and it
comes back on when the vehicle is
started and/or the OIL LIFE
REMAINING is near 0%, the engine
oil life system has not been reset.
Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (6 Speed
Transmission) When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a
transmission leak or overheated
transmission. If a small leak is
suspected, then use the following
checking procedures to check the
fluid level. However, if there is a
large leak, then it may be necessary
to have the vehicle towed to a dealer service department and have
it repaired before driving the vehicle
further.
CautionUse of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 464 .
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 455 . Be sure to use the
transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 464 . How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
CautionToo much or too little fluid can
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust
system parts, starting a fire. Too
little fluid could cause the
transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if
checking the transmission fluid.
Before checking the fluid level,
prepare the vehicle:
1. Start the engine and park the
vehicle on a level surface.
Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake and
place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake
pedal, move the shift lever
through each gear range,
pausing for about

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
374 Vehicle Care
Engine Coolant The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL ®
engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0 376 .
What to Use
{ WarningAdding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
(Continued) Warning (Continued) overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/
50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
.
Gives freezing protection down
to − 37 °C ( − 34 °F), outside
temperature.
.
Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
.
Protects against rust and
corrosion.
.
Will not damage aluminum parts.
.
Helps keep the proper engine
temperature. CautionIf improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 464 .
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, or by pouring
it on the ground, or into sewers,
streams, or bodies of water. Have
the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar
with legal requirements regarding
used coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
Vehicle Care 375Checking Coolant The coolant surge tank is located in
the engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 359 .
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
5.3L V8 Shown, 4.3L V6, 6.0L V8,
and 6.2L V8 Similar
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, wait until it cools down. The
coolant level should be at or above the FULL COLD mark. If it is not,
there may be a leak in the cooling
system.
If coolant is visible but the coolant
level is not at or above the FULL
COLD mark, see “ How to Add
Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank
for Gasoline Engines, ” following.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank for
Gasoline Engines If the vehicle has a diesel engine,
see “ Cooling System ” in the
Duramax diesel supplement for the
proper coolant fill procedure.
{ Warning
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine. CautionThis vehicle has a specific
coolant fill procedure. Failure to
follow this procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and be
severely damaged.
{ WarningSteam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the surge tank pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling
system and surge tank pressure
cap to cool.
If no coolant is visible in the surge
tank, add coolant.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
378 Vehicle Care If the temperature overheat gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is still no sign of steam and
the vehicle is equipped with an
engine driven cooling fan, push
down the accelerator until the
engine speed is about twice as fast
as normal idle speed for at least
five minutes while the vehicle is
parked. If the warning is still there,
turn off the engine and get everyone
out of the vehicle until it cools down.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for five minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down. Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode If an overheated engine condition
exists and the ENGINE POWER IS
REDUCED message displays, an
overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders
helps to prevent engine damage. In
this mode, a loss in power and
engine performance will be noticed.
This operating mode allows the
vehicle to be driven to a safe place
in an emergency. Driving extended
distances and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Caution
After driving in the overheated
engine protection operating
mode, the engine oil will be
severely degraded. Any repairs
performed before the engine is
cool may cause engine damage.
Allow the engine to cool before
(Continued) Caution (Continued) attempting any repair. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the
oil, and reset the oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0 364 .
Engine Fan If the vehicle has a clutched engine
cooling fan, when the clutch is
engaged, the fan spins faster to
provide more air to cool the engine.
In most everyday driving conditions,
the fan is spinning slower and the
clutch is not fully engaged. This
improves fuel economy and reduces
fan noise. Under heavy vehicle
loading, trailer towing, and/or high
outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully
engages, so an increase in fan
noise may be heard. This is normal
and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan
will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the
clutch disengages.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-9955992) - 2017 - crc - 4/18/17
448 Vehicle Care Caution (Continued)or tires. When applying a tire
dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Trim — Aluminum
or Chrome Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and other chrome
trim may be damaged if the
vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed
with magnesium, calcium,
or sodium chloride. These
chlorides are used on roads for
conditions such as ice and dust.
Always wash the chrome with
soap and water after exposure. CautionTo avoid surface damage, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
brushes, or cleaners that contain
acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. Use only
approved cleaners. Also, never
drive a vehicle with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an
automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Brake System Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect all other brake parts. Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
1500 Series vehicles, at least every
other oil change lubricate the outer
tie rod ends.
2500/3500 Series vehicles, at least
every other engine oil change
lubricate the upper and lower
control arm ball joints. Control arm
ball joints on 1500 series vehicles
are maintenance-free.
2500/3500 Series vehicles equipped
with steering linkage, at least every
other engine oil change lubricate the
tie rod ball joints, idler arm pivot
shaft bearings, idler arm socket, and
pitman arm socket.